The Super Bowl, along with the football playoffs, attracts one of the largest television audiences of the year, and the annual Sunday event is one of the favorite reasons for people to get together and party. Even those who couldn't give a hoot about football. But there are some who find Super Bowl Sunday a perfect time to enjoy San Diego relatively crowd free - heck, everyone else is indoors watching the game. Here are my Top Picks for Super Bowl alternative activities.
What better thing to do than spend a Sunday in the park? Balboa Park is always a pleasure on Sunday, and the lack of crowds will make it feel like a weekday.
People are inside watching TV. What does that say? NO TRAFFIC! A perfect time to hop in the car (OK, the SUV) and take a 59-mile scenic drive. Drive the coast, from San Diego Bay through the beaches and up the north coast. Or head east to the mountains. You can still listen to the game on the radio, right?
San Diego County has a number of reservoirs close to the city - why not pull out the old fishing pole and try and snag some fish? Lake Murray, Miramar, Poway and Santee Lakes are all good places to give it a try. Or go deep sea fishing on one of the half day boats.
It's the perfect time to see the whale migration. Either take one of the whale excursion boats or try and sight them from the Cabrillo National Monument atop Point Loma.
5. Do Some Gardening
Hey, where else can you do some weekend gardening outdoors in February? It's perfect time to prune the roses, plant some winter veggies or some spring bulbs. Head to one of the nifty nurseries around town, like Walter Anderson's or Mission Hills Nursery, or even Home Depot. Get down and dirty!
6. See Some Animals
Weekends are usually busy at the local major attractions like the San Diego Zoo, Sea World or the Wild Animal Park. But Super Bowl Sunday means sparse crowds - perfect to check out panda baby Mei Sheng or Shamu. Better yet, make your way to the Wild Animal Park - if you've never been, you might be surprised.
It might not be Mt. Everest, but a climb up Cowles Mountain in Mission Trails Park will be an accomplishment nontheless. Plus you'll have a great view of the county from the peak.
Hit the shopping malls...just to experience it so soon after the holiday madness. It could actually be pleasant.
9. Go House Hunting
Now, I didn't say buy a house. Especially with the price of housing here. But it's fun to check out model homes in new developments or to check out open houses in older neighborhoods. It's also a bit of a sobering realty check. But, hey, we can all dream.
Many golf courses have Super Bowl specials...and if you play early enough, you can still catch the game.
